by Rob Howell
Qarsh and Akuwin waited, motionless, until Fahrissthan, with jerky steps, moved back to the chair and sat down.
Tahnerif glanced at Akuwin, whose muzzle indicated wry amusement. Fortunately, the kal’shin seemed to be the only one who noticed the faint expression. “Now. Let us review our current status. Give us the full numbers from Peninnah, Akuwin.”
“We hurt them, no doubt, but they hurt us more. Of the three companies we sent, only one came back combat effective. The Foresters essentially destroyed one, leaving about one in ten of the warriors healthy enough to fight. The remaining company could be pressed into action in a desperate situation, but only if we were facing the Slyest Prey himself.”
“I understand.”
“We also have a company restoring its losses from Cimaron 283133-6A.” Akuwin’s tail twitched. “They burn to fight, but their replacements are naught but puppies.”
“That means we have five companies fully up to strength,” mused Tahnerif. “Plus two companies operational but refitting and one that needs to be rebuilt.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And our supply situation?”
“Good enough. We have sufficient personal rockets for an essentially unlimited exchange. The heavy weapons company is at nominal strength, including its base units of rockets, missiles, and explosives. However, we currently have little to no reserves of those munitions.”
“So a protracted exchange would be unwise?”
“Yes, sir. I’m told by our suppliers that they’re producing as much as they can, but they have faced increasing demand for the last few years and haven’t been able to ramp up production enough to fully compensate. We can expect no large shipments in the near future.”
Tahnerif flicked his ears, pondering Akuwin’s words. “It is inconvenient that this has happened since we began our hunt for the Foresters.”
“Very much so, Kal’shin.”
“Estimate of the damage we did to the Foresters?”
“We eliminated one of their platoons completely and defeated a significant portion of the rest of their garrison.” Akuwin wrinkled her muzzle and continued, “Thanks to Streetho providing the security keys to their network.”
“The Foresters are without honor. They deserve no better,” growled Fahrissthan.
Akuwin glanced at her. “As you say, Rei’shin. More importantly, if we send all our hunters before they can recover, we could overwhelm them, especially if we choose to use Streetho’s assistance again.”
“Yes! Let us wipe them off that world!” exulted Fahrissthan.
Qarsh flicked her ears in eager agreement.
Tahnerif lifted a paw. “How do you anticipate the Foresters will respond, Akuwin?”
“As you know, they’ve garrisoned Peninnah for many hunts. The Hilden have been very pleased with the Foresters and continually renew their contract. It’s now the Foresters’ primary source of income, and they have designed their whole organization to fulfill that contract as efficiently as possible.” Akuwin glanced at Fahrissthan. “Maquon has served as their forward base since they…acquired it.”
Fahrissthan growled.
“Therefore,” continued Akuwin, “we expect the Foresters to pull from their reserves stationed there. While we could overwhelm them on Peninnah, I’m not sure we could do so before they return their unit to nominal strength. They may not have fully recovered, but they’re likely sending reinforcements.”
Tahnerif flicked his ears. “It is as I thought.”
“Then what? We leave them be instead of sending them to the swamp?” snapped Fahrissthan.
“No, we do not. We decide to accept the third of Streetho’s contracts. The base on Maquon will be as weak as it has ever been.”
“Are you sure, Tahnerif?” asked Akuwin. “Do we not risk our right to ride at the side of the Great Hunter by accepting that offer? The Veetanho are without honor.”
“Perhaps, but the greatest risk is mine. If you and our kin perform as I command, then I’ll accept the consequences of whatever chaos the Slyest Prey slings at us. And I’m well aware that Streetho licks the Prey’s hindquarters.”
Akuwin shrugged.
“So, we attack them on Maquon?” asked Qarsh eagerly.
“Yes.”
Akuwin hunched her shoulders. “According to the terms of that contract, we must use the Zuparti as our primary transport.”
“Yes. Kukuluki specified that we use his ships.”
“I don’t care for him. I don’t think he was fully open with us about Cimaron 283133-6A. He’s less than the Slyest Prey’s foulest leavings. We lost four squads of our kin there. Why does he need to be involved with Maquon?”
“He’s without honor, there is no doubt,” answered Qarsh. “But the Zuparti trade in that area of the galaxy far more than we do. Using their ships makes more tactical sense.”
“Only if we can trust him to provide the support we need.” Akuwin bared his fangs.
“We cannot trust him,” said Tahnerif. “However, we can trust the guilds. We’ll lock him down in the contract. Akuwin, get with the lawspeakers and amend the contract to ensure the Zuparti won’t leave us in the swamp and will provide us the tactical support we need. I’ll tell Streetho that we’ll accept the contract only if they agree to those amendments.”
Akuwin noted the instruction on her pad.
“Qarsh. I want you to examine the terrain around the Foresters’ base. I know the original contract offer includes the relevant information, but I want you to double-check it. The data might be old, and we’d be wise to verify it. After that, I want you to take as much as a full company, but no less than four squads, to Maquon and begin observing the base. The contract specifies observation first, but I want you to ensure we know every aspect of that base as if we built it.”
The rei’shin smacked paw to chest.
“Fahrissthan. I want you to get with the kal’shin of the Kinhall. We’re going to need our companies restored and refitted as quickly as possible, and we’ll need as many new warriors as we can get. Pull out the mar’shin and some kin who have hunted more than once from the two damaged, yet operational, companies to provide experience for the destroyed one. If you feel that it’ll need more leavening, come to me and we’ll see who we can pull from the units that are up to strength.”
“I’m not some wet-nurse,” snarled Fahrissthan.
“No, you’re not. You’re the best warrior in our pack. Who better to train the fledglings?”
Fahrissthan’s ears went back, and she bared her teeth, but she also smacked paw to chest. “As you command, Kal’shin.”
“Hone our blade, Rei’shin. You’re the best for that task.”
After seeing Fahrissthan flick her ears, Akuwin leaned forward. “We might need those operational units, Kal’shin, even if they’re understrength. Are you sure you want to draw that experience away from them? They won’t be combat effective without those veterans until they train more.”
“You’re right. The decision is a hunt with multiple trails. May the Great Hunter guide me. However, since we’re going to start the contract observing the base for several months, we’ll have some time before we need to strike with the whole pack. I wouldn’t be surprised if we need all eight companies by the time we’re through, and this is the best way to get the company that was destroyed on Peninnah back up to strength. Those three companies will serve as our strategic reserve. They’ll have time to get back to strength.”
Akuwin nodded, staring at her commander with more questions in her eyes.
Tahnerif stared back for a moment. “Qarsh, you and Fahrissthan get to work. I want to discuss some of the specific contract details with Akuwin. No need for you to waste your time on them.”
They assented with flicking ears and left.
“I’m still not comfortable with this contract, Kal’shin,” stated Akuwin.
“Neither am I,” agreed Tahnerif. “That’s why, after you finish with the lawspeakers, I want you to take ch
arge of our communications with the Zuparti. You’re the smartest among us, and therefore, the one most likely to detect their sly treacheries. It’ll give us an opportunity to stall, if need be. You can insist that you must bring a matter to me, giving us extra time to find the trap.”
He sighed and scratched his chin. “Finally, Kukuluki and Streetho have been playing us for far too long. Find out everything you can about what’s behind this. Use any tool you need, no matter the cost.”
“Yes, Kal’shin,” replied Akuwin with bared fangs.
Tahnerif wrinkled his muzzle. “To my shame, I let my rage at the Foresters from Maquon blind me. I have accepted Kukuluki’s and Streetho’s maneuvers as the price for vengeance. I’ll bring this shame to the Great Hunter. However, I won’t let it go any further. We’ll get our vengeance without losing our souls. This I swear.”
* * * * *
Chapter 5 – Col. Roosevelt Edmonds
Foresters Headquarters
Billy Bishop Airport, Owen Sound
Colonel Roosevelt Edmonds, commander of the Foresters, closed a file folder and looked up as Master Warrant Officer Russell entered his office and stood at attention.
“Quit that bullshit, Russell. Sit down.”
“I prefer to stand, sir.”
Edmonds swiveled back and forth in his chair. After a moment, he pointed at one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Master Warrant Officer, I believe I gave you an order.”
“Sir—”
“Sit down!”
“As the colonel orders!” Russell took two precise steps and sat down on the edge of a chair, his back ramrod straight.
Edmonds opened a folder on his desk. “Let’s see. Here’s a request for a transfer back to cadre at West Rocks. It’s declined. Here’s another request, submitted two hours after I shot down the first one. It, too, was declined. Oh, look, here’s a third request, submitted yesterday. It’s also declined. Now, you’re in my office, away from your post in Toronto, presumably to make the fourth request in person.”
“Yes, sir!” Russell boomed.
“What makes you think I’ll respond differently to this request?”
“I’d like to remind the colonel of Lieutenant MacKenzie.”
“I haven’t forgotten MacKenzie, Master Warrant, even if I didn’t watch him get pushed out of the airlock.”
“Very good, sir!”
Edmonds sighed. “Cut the recruit crap, Russell. If you want proof you’re not a recruit, think about what I’d do to some private who left his post and came into my office as you have.”
“Sir—”
The colonel raised a hand. “Your objection is noted, but I suspect you’ll withdraw it once you’ve heard what I have to say.”
“That creature is not a Forester.”
“You know, Russell, I’m actually glad you showed up today. Saves me the trouble of sending for you.”
The master warrant officer blinked.
Edmonds pulled out another folder and handed it to him. “Read this.”
There were two pages in the folder, and he read them speedily. “I don’t believe it, sir,” he said after finishing.
“I understand your skepticism, but Kiial gave me this letter when I debriefed him. There is nothing to suggest it isn’t from the Peacemaker, nor is there any hint of a trap.” He handed over another printout. “If we had any doubts that Tlanit would be providing ‘gifts,’ this email I received earlier today should alleviate them.”
This message was significantly longer, and at the top was the logo for the Binnig Corporation.
Colonel Roosevelt G. Edmonds,
It is the happy duty of Binnig Corporation to inform the registered mercenary company Queen Elizabeth’s Own Foresters that we have received payment for four hundred (400) CASPer Mk 8s, plus a full Standard Support Package (SSP) from the Wathayat Trading Consortium. We also have received payment for one (1) CASPer Mk 8, Custom, to be designed to accommodate a Cochkala driver.
Our SSP includes sixty (60) units of all expendable munitions. You’ll find attached our resupply packages, should you wish to continue purchasing munitions from us.
Also, the SSP includes all the specialized tools and spare parts needed to keep CASPer Mk 8s fully operational through a minimum of two (2) full deployments. Again, we offer extended packages, along with part-by-part ordering, to keep your CASPers in prime condition.
You’ll find the complete list of available options in the attached requisition sheet. Once you have made your choices, we’ll send you all units within three (3) Terran months. The Consortium has assured us that they’ll cover any other required expenses to upgrade the Foresters from your excellent, yet aged, Mk 6s to Mk 8s.
We have included in this packet all specifications of the CASPer Mk 8, including our standard training software. You’ll receive eight (8) CASPer Mk 8 Training Modules within (1) month, including the technicians and materials to install them in your West Rocks training facility in Owen Sound, Ontario. Technicians to assist in fitting and adjusting the completed Mk 8s will arrive when we deliver those units.
You’ll find that the CASPer Mk 8 is sufficiently different from the CASPer Mk 6 so that your troopers will require significant training time to achieve maximum effectiveness. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to train extensively with these suits. Our training modules are upgradable, expandable, and versatile, making them the finest simulators available.
I’m your account representative and look forward to making your transition as seamless as possible. I’ll do my best to live up to the high standards the Foresters have shown when fulfilling their contracts.
We at Binnig Corporation are dedicated to ensuring the mercenary companies of Earth have the best possible equipment in the great tradition of the Four Horsemen and in honor of all absent companions.
– David Williamson, Lead Account Representative
Russell’s anger returned. “Those bastards are trying to bribe us!”
Edmonds smiled wryly. “That might be true, but what a bribe it is.”
The master warrant officer glanced at the message again. “It’s what, a hundred million Galactic credits? That’s pocket change for the Wathayat. They think we’ll forget Lieutenant MacKenzie for that?”
“Master Warrant Officer, do we have any information that’ll allow us to deal with those responsible for MacKenzie’s execution—” Edmonds lifted the first message, “with the exception of the information Rhan’Tlanit’Tala just promised us in the letter Kiial gave us?”
He grudgingly shook his head. “No, Colonel, we do not.”
“Even with the possibility that the information he sends us is worthless, do we have any other potential sources?”
“No, Colonel.”
“Do you think it more or less likely Tlanit will do his best for the regiment if his nephew is part of it?”
Russell gritted his teeth. “More.”
“And do you doubt that if we upgrade to Mk 8s we’ll have more striking power when the time comes?”
Russell sighed. “I can’t disagree, Colonel. But it seems like we’re forgetting that kid. He didn’t have a fucking chance.”
“No, he didn’t. And his father and grandfather have been in here demanding the same answers you have. Don’t doubt that I considered telling both the Wathayat and Binnig to go to hell. This might indeed be a deal with the devil.”
Edmonds shook his head. “But it was never a choice. I’ve already told Major Dozier to make room for the training modules. We’re putting them side-by-side with the Mk 6 simulators we’ve already got, and Dozier is already planning ways to get everyone through the basic CASPer course in about two-thirds the previous time.”
“Won’t that hurt their training?”
“Dozier’s taking advantage of Maquon Base’s size since we’ve never really used all of it. While troopers are waiting for their final assignments, we can get them more sim time. He’s sending a platoon’s worth of CASPer Mk 6 modules up to th
e Huron. We’ll finish their training there.”
Russell considered the information. “That’ll probably work, sir, but I’m still concerned.”
“Yes, but we need more troopers. You know better than anyone that First of Bravo still isn’t ready.”
“No, they aren’t.” He paused. “And sir—”
“No, Russell, I won’t reconsider. I know you could improve our training efficiency if you were at West Rocks, but I need you in Toronto.”
“Why?”
The colonel pressed a button. “Corporal, send in our visitor.”
A tallish man with short, light brown hair and calm eyes entered Edmonds’ office.
“Mr. Blaine, have a seat.”
“Thank you, Colonel.”
“This is Master Warrant Officer Graham Russell, the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the Foresters. I’d like you to tell him everything you’ve told me.”
“Everything? I shouldn’t need to remind you of my grave security concerns.”
Edmonds nodded. “Everything.”
“As you wish.” Blaine turned to Russell. “My name is Rick. I’ve just come from Houston where a number of Foresters were killed the day before yesterday.”
“What?! Which troopers?”
“The remains of Alfa Company returned last week,” said Edmonds. “Third Platoon needed some down time, so I instructed Huddleson to take them to the Lyon’s Den before I promoted him to lieutenant.”
“They were ambushed as they returned to your transient quarters in Houston,” added Blaine.
“By who?”
“I don’t know, but I can tell you a few things.”
“Oh?”
“It wasn’t a random attack. Whoever it was intended to eliminate the Foresters leaving the Lyon’s Den. I overheard them saying so. The forces in the attack included at least one Zuul. I’m aware that you fought Zuul in the recent battles on Cimaron 283133-6A and Penninah.”
“How do you know about Penninah?”